Lifestyle briefs -- Published Nov. 29, 2013

Friday

Nov 29, 2013 at 12:01 AM

Stockton Ambassador Training offers two December dates to become a Certified Tourism Ambassador from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dec. 6 and 7. To become certified, residents will need to complete required reading and learning assignments and attend a half-day classroom session, pass an open-book exam and pay a $25 enrollment fee. Once completed participants will be a CTA with the tools and knowledge to create a memorable visitor experience.

The Record

Stockton Ambassador Training offers two December dates to become a Certified Tourism Ambassador from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dec. 6 and 7. To become certified, residents will need to complete required reading and learning assignments and attend a half-day classroom session, pass an open-book exam and pay a $25 enrollment fee. Once completed participants will be a CTA with the tools and knowledge to create a memorable visitor experience.

Information: (209) 938-1555 or CTANetwork.com.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Luneta Post 52 and the Ladies and Men's Auxiliaries are holding their annual Christmas Basket food drive for veterans in need and their families. Tubs are at the VFW Canteen at 513 N. Center St., Stockton to accept donations daily from 1 to 7 p.m. daily through Dec. 18.

The post is asking for nonperishable food items. The post will provide perishable food items. Cash donations will also be accepted.

Post volunteers will deliver the food baskets Dec. 21.

Information: (209) 941-8391.

Hospice of San Joaquin is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its "Tree of Lights" campaign, in which community members dedicate a light on special trees in memory or in honor of someone during the holiday season.

Lights can be dedicated for as low as $5 for a red one to $500 for an orange one. The tree topper is $1,000.

The next ceremonies are:

Manteca: Wednesday at 6 p.m.

Lockeford: Wednesday at 6 p.m.

Lodi: Thursday at 5:30 p.m.

Ripon: Dec. 6 at 6 p.m.

Rio Vista: Dec. 7 at 5:30 p.m.

Proceeds from the event provide nursing care, bereavement services and support for terminally ill patients and their families.

Information: (209) 957-3888 or hospicesj.org.

Mary Shaw will teach a class on how to make authentic Greek Spanikopita, a rich pie filled with spinach, feta cheese and herbs in phyllo dough, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3, at Hutchins Street Square, 125 S. Hutchins St., Lodi.